Eye of the Wind Norwegian fjords hands-on tall ship sailing EYE27/24

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Sat 22-05-2027, 19:00Bergen, Norway	Sat 29-05-2027, 10:00Stavanger, Norway	Eye of the Wind	7 Nights	EYE27/22

Voyage Description

Setting Sail from Bergen

Your voyage begins in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a historic gateway to the western fjords. Surrounded by mountains and islands, it has a long maritime history and an attractive harbour at the centre of the city.

If you arrive a day early, there is plenty to explore. The colourful wooden buildings of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recall Bergen’s importance as a Hanseatic trading port. Nearby, the fish market offers Norwegian seafood and local produce.

For a wider view of the coast, take the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen. From the top, you can look across Bergen’s harbour towards the islands and waterways you may soon be sailing through. Alternatively, the KODE art museums provide an introduction to Norwegian art, including works by Edvard Munch.

Boarding Eye of the Wind begins at 19:00. The crew will welcome you aboard, introduce you to the ship and help you settle into your accommodation. Dinner in the saloon provides an opportunity to meet and mingle with your fellow guest crew before the voyage begins.

Along the Way

The distance between Bergen and Stavanger is approximately 100 nautical miles by a relatively direct coastal route. Eye of the Wind could cover this in a couple of days, but the intention is to take a more exploratory course.

Leaving Bergen, the ship enters a network of sounds, islands and fjords. Here, the landscape can change dramatically within a few miles. One moment you may be sailing between low rocky islands; the next, steep mountains rise directly from the water. The outer archipelago provides some shelter from North Sea swell. Further inland, the fjords become increasingly mountainous, with waterfalls, wooded slopes and small settlements along the shore.

If the weather allows, the captain may explore north of Bergen towards Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Alternatively, the route south offers numerous possibilities through Bjørnafjord, the Hardangerfjord area and the islands approaching Boknafjord. These are possible cruising areas rather than fixed destinations. The crew will make the most of the conditions and opportunities available during the week.

Late May is a good time to observe seabirds along western Norway’s coast. Gulls, cormorants, eider ducks and other coastal birds are commonly seen around the islands and shorelines. White-tailed eagles are also found in western Norway, particularly around islands and less disturbed coastal areas. With luck, you may see one soaring above the cliffs or fishing close to the water.
Harbour porpoises can occur in these waters, and dolphins may occasionally be encountered. Seals may also be seen around rocky islands and sheltered bays.

The fjords offer an interesting mix of sailing conditions. In sheltered waters, the wind may be light or variable, particularly beneath high mountains. At other times, the ship may enjoy a good breeze between the islands.

Arriving in Stavanger

As Eye of the Wind approaches Stavanger, the coastal islands give way to the waterways of the Boknafjord system. The ship enters the Byfjord, with the city and its harbour ahead.

Stavanger has a long maritime history, from fishing and coastal trade to its modern role in Norway’s offshore energy industry. Its sheltered central harbour, Vågen, is surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and museums. If you have an extra day before travelling home, Stavanger is well worth exploring. Gamle Stavanger, the old town, has narrow cobbled streets and well-preserved white wooden houses.

After seven nights aboard, you will have experienced a varied stretch of the Norwegian coast. But for those wanting to see more of the fjords, sightseeing boats depart from Stavanger towards Lysefjord. This dramatic fjord is famous for its steep cliffs and Preikestolen, the prominent rock plateau high above the water.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Late May is a particularly interesting time to sail along western Norway’s coast. Spring is well established at sea level, while snow may still remain on the higher mountains. The contrast between green valleys, waterfalls and snow-covered peaks can be striking.

Daytime temperatures in Bergen and Stavanger are commonly around 12–17°C, although cooler conditions are possible, especially on the water. Overnight temperatures can fall into single figures.

Western Norway receives rainfall throughout the year, and May can bring a mixture of sunshine, showers and longer wet periods. Conditions may change quickly as weather systems move in from the North Atlantic.

Winds vary considerably between the open coast and the sheltered fjords. The outer islands can experience stronger winds and swell, while deep inside the fjords the mountains may create calm areas, gusts or sudden changes in wind direction.

The captain will adapt the itinerary to the forecast, taking account of wind, sea conditions and suitable anchorages. The flexible route is part of what makes this voyage an exploration rather than a fixed itinerary.

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice.

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

Start & End Port

Bergen, Norway

This is a working port with real maritime history. The old Bryggen wharf still shows how the Hanseatic traders operated. Traditional sailing vessels often visit, and there’s usually something interesting happening on the water. Fresh seafood is sold straight off the boats, and there’s a proper seafaring culture here.

Stavanger, Norway

The ships exact location in port is often controlled by the port authorities and they will only allocate a docking position a few days before. You will be informed as soon as possible of their exact joining location.

Any changes will be communicated to you before your voyage start date. Make sure you make a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation email in case of any problems on the day.

Kit List

What to pack for a sailing holiday on the Eye of the Wind

Working Language on Board is German and English

Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind

Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind

What is Included

Sailing Instruction
All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
Duvet, pillow and sheets
Hand towels

What is not Included

Waterproof jackets and trousers
Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board
Any entry visas required

What to Bring

Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.

Eye of the Wind does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
Eye of the Wind has electric sockets in all the cabins 240 V
Cameras, spare batteries, chargers if you need them
Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
Euros for bar bill
Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.
The ship provides hand towels but please bring a beach towel
snorkel and mask for caribbean if you like snorkelling (travel tip: swimming goggles pack up smaller than a facemask)
Bring insect repellant for Caribbean as can get mosquitos ashore in evening (rare at anchor)
ear plugs can be handy

Electricity

All the power to your plug sockets comes from the ship's generator which runs on deisel. The less the generators have to run to top up power, the nicer it is for the guests on board and also greener for the planet. Please don't bring loads of hairdriers, electric devices to charge.

There is no internet on board whilst at sea.

Review

The Captain's style was excellent.. so skilled, authoritative but never shouty, always caring, kind, funny & interested in people. I was So impressed that the crew were majority of girls, so strong, brave, knowledgeable & keen. 20yrs ago there might have been 1 or 2 token girls in crew & now they run the ship!

Boys also wonderful of course & chef Dennis was excellent. Im old enough to be Granny to most, but no ageism, sexism or patronising attitudes so thankyou for that.

The stops on the Danish islands were good use of time. So clean, green, pretty, & v.friendly. Unfavourable wind meant we couldn't sail as much as hoped but last day we got 12 of 15 sails up. Helming a tall ship in full sail is such a privilege. Wow.!

What a beautiful experience. Memories are priceless.
Naomi - Baltic Sea Spring 2026

Hello all at Classic

The trip went very well and was a great experience.

Everything was very well done, great captain, crew and guests.

Sea shanty singing lead by Matthew from the King's Pond Shantymen!
Best wishes, Bob. Eye of the Wind, Cadiz to the Canary Islands November 2024

A fabulous adventure! Words cannot convey the experience.
John, Tortola to Bermuda

Tortola to the Azores! What a great time. Thanks to Captain Pit and the crew. An awesome adventure with awesome people!"
F Coutreau

What a wonderful, lovely, great, awesome trip we've had from Malaga to Lanzarote! I loved and enjoyed every minute.

Thanks again for this wonderful experience. I miss you guys!
Andrea

Now that was a voyage! The EYE crew - all 10 - five women and five men - embody two words:

COMPETENT and KIND

And such a beautiful ship. Thank you beyond measure
Susan

Vessel Gallery

With red sails against a blue sky, Eye of the Wind is a photogenic ship. If you have any new images we would love to see them since Eye of the Wind has only recently returned to our website.